Category: Fun

Former Skippers student-athlete receives 1st Team All-American ring, now playing NCAA D1 volleyball

Christina Bohm—St. Clair County Community College (SC4) alumna, current Oakland University student-athlete and St. Clair High School graduate—was present at the Oct. 2 Skippers Volleyball game vs. Mott Community College to accept her National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) 1st Team All-American ring. Bohm is the 17th Skippers athlete to be selected as a 1st Team All-American in the College’s 100 years of collegiate sports.

In addition, Bohm was named the Player of the Year for the Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) Eastern Conference in 2022.

Her performance on the court for the Skippers earned her the opportunity to play NCAA Division 1 volleyball at Oakland University. She attributes her success to her SC4 coaches and teammates.

“The coaches and staff have really built a supportive program that people want to be a part of,” Bohm said. “As a whole, our teammates were very supportive of one another and had each other’s backs. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of my coaches. Even in moments of uncertainty, they continued to push for me and my future volleyball career. Not only did they aid me in the recruiting process, but they were there for me emotionally as well. SC4 created a place in which for the first time I felt fully supported and encouraged by not only my coaches, but an entire staff as well. I am very grateful for my time spent at SC4 and the growth it allowed me to achieve as a person.”

While with the Skippers, Bohm was a dominant force. For the 2022 campaign, in 31 matches she tallied 387 kills, 317 digs, and 941 total attempts. She also chipped in 31 aces and 54 block assists.

Bohm and her teammates won SC4’s first conference title in volleyball since 2015 as they earned a share of the MCCAA Eastern Conference. Her efforts also helped lead the Skippers to a runner-up finish in the NJCAA Region IX Volleyball District A Championship.

Bohm’s future plans include earning a degree in secondary education and eventually becoming a math teacher. She also hopes to one day coach volleyball as well.

Pictured above: Christina Bohm shakes SC4 Senior Vice President Dr. Pete Lacey’s hand at the ring ceremony, Bohm poses for a picture with SC4 Volleyball coaches Monica Freeman (assistant coach), Michelle McCulloch (head coach) and Brenna Donnelly (assistant coach), Bohm is pictured playing volleyball at Oakland University and SC4.

Betty M. (Large) Raetzel named recipient of 2023 Distinguished Alumni of the Year award

Port Huron resident Betty M. (Large) Raetzel was named the recipient of the 2023 St. Clair County Community College (SC4) Distinguished Alumni of the Year award.

Raetzel earned an Associate of Arts from the College—then known as Port Huron Junior College—in 1945. While a student, she participated in the College’s Assembly Board, the International Relations Club and as a Triton yearbook staff member. 

“I fondly remember studying in the Maccabees building with primarily female classmates, as the majority of male students were proudly serving our country in World War II,” Raetzel said. “I feel very fortunate to have attended the College and credit it and its educators for my professional success in life.” 

Upon graduating, she went on to own and operate a successful family retail shoe business with her husband in downtown Port Huron for 50 years. Throughout the years, Raetzel has demonstrated positive, unwavering support and advocacy for the College in the community. 

“The College is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023 and honoring an alumna who graduated 78 years ago,” said Dr. Karen Niver, chair of the SC4 Board of Trustees. “That’s pretty remarkable and speaks to our rich history of successful alumni and our mission of providing access to quality higher education. Betty has given back to this College and its students in many ways over the years and we are thrilled to honor her legacy.” 

SC4 has recognized a Distinguished Alumni of the Year since 1986. Former recipient Randy Fernandez (2018) was present at a reception honoring Raetzel on Thursday and offered his congratulations. 

“I’m very happy to be here to honor Betty Raetzel as the 2023 SC4 Distinguished Alumni of the Year,” said Fernandez. “I’ve known the family for many years with Raetzel’s Shoe Store in downtown Port Huron. It’s just an honor and privilege to be here to honor such a special alumna who was in one of our beloved College’s earliest graduating classes.”

Betty M. (Large) Raetzel pictured with "Smile and the whole world smiles with you" quote.

Pictured at top in back row from left to right: Acting President/Chief Operating Officer Kirk Kramer, SC4 Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Karen Niver, Dennis Raetzel. Betty M. (Large) Raetzel pictured with award.

Exhibit to showcase faculty talent and passion

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) opens its annual faculty art showcase, “Collectively Independent,” on Monday, Sept. 18, in the College’s Fine Arts Gallery.

The showcase is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday until Oct. 20. It features thought-provoking pieces on various subject matter in a wide array of mediums. Each piece on display is an original work from faculty members who lead courses in graphic design, art history, photography and more.

Participating faculty include:

  • Sarah Flatter, MFA, Art/Graphic Design
  • Brian Kovach, MFA, Art
  • Jacqueline Mahannah, MFA, Art/Graphic Design
  • Jason Palmer, MFA, Art/Graphic Design
  • Mark Rummel, BFA, Art/Graphic Design
  • Elizabeth Sevick, MFA, Art
  • Alan Vidali, MFA, Art/Graphic Design
  • Jacob Vinson, MFA, Art

“This annual exhibit is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the very talented art and design faculty here at SC4,” says Sarah Flatter, professor of fine arts. “This exhibit is one of my favorites, because it gives faculty members the opportunity to show off their talents to a wider audience. It is a great show of work and worth checking out!”

From sculptures and photographs to illustrations and more, the exhibit offers a unique opportunity for SC4 students and community members to observe the artistic interests and expertise of SC4 instructors.

For the most current list of upcoming arts and other events at SC4, visit sc4.edu/events/.

SC4 offers a wide array of courses and programs for students interested in pursuing the arts. For a current schedule of offerings—including fast-path classes beginning Sept. 18 and Oct. 16—visit sc4.edu/schedule and apply at sc4.edu/apply/.

Pieces from the 2022 showcase are pictured above.

Back and bigger than ever: 3rd Wolverine Invitational set for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at SC4

Excitement is building for the highly anticipated 3rd annual Wolverine Invitational Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, hosted by University of Michigan Adaptive Sports and Fitness in partnership with St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and supported by the Guardian Life Insurance Company.

Scheduled from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, the event promises to be a thrilling showcase of athleticism and aims to be a beacon for social change. Committed teams include the University of Michigan (NWBA Adult D2), LWSRA Hawks (NAWBL) – Chicago, Kitchener Spinners (CWBL D1) – Ontario, London Forest City Flyers (CWBL D2 / NWBA Adult D3) – Ontario, Brampton Rockets (CWBL D2) – Ontario, University of Arizona (NWBA Intercollegiate Women), Southwest Minnesota State University (NWBA Intercollegiate Men), and the University of Wisconsin Whitewater (NWBA Intercollegiate Men).

The invitational serves as a season opener for all in attendance, and fans should expect teams to come out of the gates ready for high-speed action and strategy. With a full tournament schedule forthcoming, the University of Michigan tips off against the University of Arizona at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, and the championship game is set for Sunday, Oct. 1 at noon. Additionally, SC4’s new wheelchair basketball team will take on Michigan State University on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 12:30 p.m. in the Wolverine Invitational’s Emerging Teams bracket.

“The rapid growth of our team has been a delight to watch,” said Dr. Feranmi Okanlami, Director of U-M Adaptive Sports & Fitness. “This team has put in countless hours to ensure that this event is one to never forget. I want to personally thank all the teams, volunteers, referees, and sponsors who chose to support this event. Together we will continue to do great things to support the growth of para sport. Go Blue!”

Added U-M Wheelchair Basketball Head Coach Jessica Wynne, “This tournament is an instant classic. Our players love the camaraderie and competition. We are grateful for our partnership with SC4 and thrilled to see them taking to the courts as a team. Our team has grown immensely and we are poised to contend with every team. We are exciting to watch, steeped with talent, and aim to be the hardest-working team out there. I think everyone in attendance can look forward to seeing some high-level wheelchair basketball throughout the weekend and the season to come.”

People from the community also will have the opportunity to try adaptive sports during an Adaptive Sports Clinic between 5 and 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, in the SC4 Fieldhouse.

“SC4 is honored to once again partner with the University of Michigan to host the Wolverine Invitational at the SC4 Fieldhouse,” said SC4 Senior Vice President Dr. Pete Lacey. “The U-M Adaptive Sports & Fitness staff has been instrumental in building awareness and opportunities for our campus and community. We look forward to welcoming so many incredible teams this year and we’re excited to have our own Skippers wheelchair basketball team as part of the event. I encourage all sports fans and community members to come to support this great event. Get ready to watch some of the best athletes in America compete for the Wolverine Invitational title.”

The tournament will follow a round-robin pool play, leading into the quarter-finals and semi-finals on Saturday evening. For more information about the event, including schedules, streaming, ticketing details and updates, visit UM Adaptive Sports & Fitness, follow @umichadaptivesports on Instagram or visit sc4.edu/wolverine.

The co-ed SC4 wheelchair basketball team is open to SC4 students and community members with disabilities or those who are able-bodied and passionate about wheelchair basketball, with priority given to students enrolled at SC4. For more information about joining the wheelchair basketball team at SC4, visit sc4.edu/campus-life/athletics/athlete-interest-form/.

SC4 kicks off fall arts season with Lexington Bach String Quartet, Sept. 14

The Lexington Bach String Quartet returns to campus to kick off the fall 2023 arts season at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) with performances at noon and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.

The Lexington Bach String Quartet features the following musicians:

  • Melody L. Wootton, first violin, is an active performer in the Detroit metropolitan area, playing with Detroit Opera, Broadway shows that appear in Detroit, and as a substitute violinist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She is a member of the Baldwin Ensemble, the Fishwick-Levine-Wootton Piano Trio, and performs as a soloist for Detroit area churches.
  • Denice Anderson Turck, second violin, and Lexington Bach Festival administrator, is a freelance violinist and music educator. She is concertmaster emeritus of the Adrian Symphony Orchestra, leader of Regency Strings and performs regularly with regional orchestras. Before moving to Michigan, Anderson Turck developed a highly regarded junior high school and elementary string music program for the Oconomowoc, Wisc., Public Schools. She also served as string coordinator of Project Create, a Suzuki Institute at Carroll University, Wisc., and was a member of the Madison Symphony, Waukesha Symphony and Milwaukee Ballet orchestras.
  • Janine Bradbury, viola, is from Commerce, Mich. She is principal viola with the Flint and Saginaw Bay Symphony orchestras, a member of the Ann Arbor Symphony and is an active freelancer. Bradbury is a former member of the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, the Boulder, Colo., Philharmonic, and has subbed with Windsor, Toledo and Detroit symphonies. Bradbury played Broadway shows in Detroit for 15 years and toured with the Phantom of the Opera. As a freelancer, she has played for Aretha Franklin, Plant and Page, Mannheim Steamroller, The Three Tenors, The Who, and Earth, Wind and Fire. She enjoys teaching violin and viola and frequently adjudicates student performances for the Flint Institute of Music.
  • Irina Tikhonova, cello, began playing the cello at the age of six. Her mother, Lydia, loved to sing and selected cello for Tikhonova because its range is close to that of the singing voice. Before coming to this country, she performed with the Harmony Philharmonic Ensemble of Soloists in Kiev, the Renaissance Chamber Orchestra, and was the assistant principal cellist in the State Symphony Orchestra. Since immigrating to the United States from the Ukraine in 1991, Tikhonova has been principal cellist of the Saginaw Bay Symphony, the Bijou Music Ensemble, the Dearborn Symphony Orchestra, and is a member of the Flint Symphony Orchestra. She has more than 15 years of cello and chamber music teaching and coaching experience. Since 2008, Tikhonova has been on the faculty of Cellospeak in Pennsylvania.

Slated performance pieces include numbers by Johann Sebastian Bach, William Grant Still and Ludwig van Beethoven.

The Lexington Bach String Quartet concerts are free and open to the public—as are all upcoming arts events at SC4—and no tickets are needed. For the most current list of upcoming events at SC4, visit sc4.edu/events/.

SC4 to host inaugural high school and collegiate Skippers Cross Country Showcase 

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) will welcome high school and collegiate cross country athletes from across Southeast Michigan for its first Skippers Cross Country Showcase on Friday, Sept. 1, at Goodells County Park in Goodells, Mich. 

SC4 runners will compete against Wayne State University, Lawrence Technological University, Rochester University and Schoolcraft College athletes, with the Women’s College Division (5K) at 4 p.m. and the Men’s College Division (8K) at 4:45 p.m.  

High school teams from Almont, Brown City, Landmark, New Life Christian Academy and Richmond will then compete in 5K races at 5:30 p.m. (varsity girls), 6:15 p.m. (varsity boys) and 7 p.m. (junior varsity).  

“This is a unique opportunity to see talented cross country athletes from across ages, conferences and institutions,” said SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos. “We’re excited to welcome teams and fans to this event and look forward to more showcases like this in the future.” 

The Skippers Cross Country Showcase is free and open to the public. For more information, contact SC4 Cross Country Head Coach Andrea Rheaume at alrheaume@sc4.edu. Visit stclaircounty.org//Offices/179 for a map and directions to Goodells County Park.  

SC4 announces fall arts lineup

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) has released its fall 2023 arts calendar, which includes concerts, gallery shows and a theater production—all free and open to the public.

The Lexington Bach String Quartet returns to campus to kick off the fall season with performances at noon and 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, in SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre.

In addition, the fall schedule includes an SC4 faculty gallery show and a “WWII Propaganda Posters” traveling exhibit from the Detroit Historical Society. It also features the SC4 Symphonic Band, renowned performers and a theater production.

Thursday, Sept. 14
Lexington Bach String Quartet
Noon to 1 p.m., 5 to 6:30 p.m.
SC4 Fine Arts Theatre 

Monday, Sept. 18, to Friday, Oct. 20
Collectively Independent Faculty Exhibition  
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday
SC4 Fine Arts Gallery

Thursday, Oct. 12
Bob Marshall, acoustic country
Noon to 1 p.m., 5 to 6:30 p.m.
SC4 Fine Arts Theatre 

Sunday, Oct. 22
Symphonic Band Concert
7 to 9 p.m.
SC4 Fine Arts Theatre

Nov. 2, 3 and 4 
“KODACHROME”
By Adam Szymkowicz
5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2
7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3
7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4
SC4 Director: Jay McCulloch
SC4 Fine Arts Theatre
“Kodachrome” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. (concordtheatricals.com)

Thursday, Nov. 16
Cliff Erickson, acoustic covers and originals
Noon to 1 p.m., 5 to 6:30 p.m.
SC4 Fine Arts Theatre 

Monday, Nov. 6
Detroit Historical Society Traveling “WWII Propaganda Posters” Exhibit Opening Ceremony with guest speakers: Scott Fernandez and Patricia Frank, SC4 History Professors
6 to 7 p.m.
SC4 Fine Arts Theatre and Gallery

Nov. 6 to Dec. 8
Detroit Historical Society Traveling “WWII Propaganda Posters (28-piece collection)” Exhibit 
9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday
SC4 Fine Arts Gallery
Gallery closed: Nov. 22 to 24

Thursday, Dec. 7
Lisa Marie Rogali, mezzo-soprano, and Nathalie Doucet, pianist
Noon to 1 p.m., 5 to 6:30 p.m.
SC4 Fine Arts Theatre 

Saturday, Dec. 9
Symphonic Band Concert
7 to 9 p.m.
SC4 Fine Arts Theatre 

SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre seats 295. No tickets are needed for these events. Additional programming may be added and event information may change. For the most current list of upcoming events, visit sc4.edu/events/.

SC4 to host wheelchair basketball demonstration days

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) and its Athletics Department will host demonstration days for students and community members with disabilities or those who are able-bodied interested in learning more about wheelchair basketball and joining its recently announced team.

The College will host demonstration days at the SC4 Fieldhouse:

  • Friday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 17 at 9 a.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 21 at 9 a.m.
  • Friday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m.

“We welcome everyone to come to demo days with us and check out this exciting new offering at SC4,” said SC4 Athletic Director Dale Vos. “It’s an exciting co-ed sport for athletes and fans alike.”

This year, SC4’s Wheelchair Basketball Team plans to schedule exhibition contests and games as part of the inaugural season. The team is also working to participate as part of the Wolverine Invitational, which is scheduled to return to the SC4 Fieldhouse this fall, Sept. 29 to Oct. 1.

When SC4 alumnus Mike Millsap heard about the College’s recently announced wheelchair basketball team, he was excited to get involved.

“As a kid, I enjoyed watching my uncle, who also has a spinal cord injury, compete in the local wheelchair basketball team that existed at the time,” said Millsap, who became a C-5/C-6 quadriplegic after a diving accident in 2008 and went on to earn an associate degree in business from SC4. “I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to be involved with the new wheelchair basketball team SC4 is launching this fall.” 

Similarly, St. Clair, Mich., native Eric Wrocklage is excited about the new team and ready to get back into a sport he loved as a kid. Wrocklage has Spina Bifida, which complicates walking, and uses a wheelchair to get around.

“Basketball was my passion as a kid and I always wanted to play,” he said. “I was introduced to wheelchair basketball in the early 90s and played on a junior team in Sterling Heights until the age of 18. Then I played on an adult team in Port Huron for a couple of seasons. It will be exciting to get back to that with this new team that is forming at SC4. I look forward to what the future holds.”

Those interested in joining the wheelchair basketball team for 2023-24 should visit sc4.edu/athletics, send an email to mjwhittredge@sc4.edu or contact the Athletics Department at 810-989-5670 with questions.

SC4 announces new theater summer camp

St. Clair County Community College (SC4) is pleased to announce the addition of a new theater summer camp opportunity for learners in grades 1-9 July 17-21, 2023, at SC4’s Fine Arts Theatre. Learners in grades 1-3 will attend the camp from 9 to noon, with learners in grades 4-9 attending from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
 
The camp aims to help participants build confidence on stage, explore creativity, and act in a fun and stress-free environment. It is offered in addition to the variety of SC4 athletics and STEM-based camps already announced for this summer.
 
“We’re thrilled to announce the addition of this camp for all the aspiring actors and thespians out there,” said James McCulloch, SC4 adjunct instructor and area drama director with more than 80 productions under his belt. “This is a wonderful, low-stress opportunity for students to dive into the world of theater and enhance their acting skills. We can’t wait to see them shine on stage!”
 
Theater camp participants will work together throughout the week to learn a collection of short scenes, which they will perform at the end of the camp on July 21. Each session performs its own show, with the morning session performing at 11 a.m. and the afternoon session performing at 2:30 p.m. Performances are free and open to the public.
 
The camp registration fee is $125 per student. To register, visit sc4.edu/camps.
 
For more information, contact McCulloch at jmmcculloch@sc4.edu or call (810) 989-5709.

Alumni Spotlight: Daniel Damman

Current or most recent title and employer?
Judge – 31st Circuit Court

How did SC4 help prepare you?
SC4 gave me an opportunity to cost-effectively begin my education after high school. I remember having the greatest instructors who cared deeply about the success of the student body at SC4. Attending community college allowed me receive excellent instruction from wonderful instructors close to home. I remain very thankful that I had the opportunity to attend St. Clair County Community College.

What do you like most about what you do professionally?
I loved the law while in private practice. I was a trial attorney, and it was a career that I cherished. I also had the opportunity to serve the City of Marysville as Mayor for three terms and developed a strong desire to serve my community at a higher level. As a Circuit Court Judge, I use the knowledge and trial skills that I honed during my many years of private practice to serve the people of St. Clair County. It is the greatest career that I could imagine and I am thankful that the people of St. Clair County have trusted me in this position.

Did you transfer on and earn other degrees? If so, what degrees and from where?
After SC4 I transferred to Michigan State University earning a B.A. in psychology. I was a double major with law and society as my secondary major. After graduating from MSU I attended Wayne State University Law School, graduating with a J.D. in 2002.